"The direct feel when gripping the bars or the hoods."
This is my criteria for choosing gloves. I love the feeling of gripping them barehanded most of all. That’s why, during these warmer months, I often ride without gloves.
However, riding long distances or maintaining a tight grip on the hoods for extended climbing can lead to fatigue, and as your palms get damp with sweat, they can become slippery or uncomfortable. There is also the possibility of getting injured in a fall.
While I have been dealing with this stress by switching back and forth between wearing gloves and not depending on the day, the ASSOS / RS Aero SF Gloves have finally resolved that for me. They have demonstrated their functionality not just on road rides, but also during my recent gravel ride.
ASSOS RS Aero SF Gloves
PRICE : ¥9,790 (tax included)
COLOR : Black
SIZE : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Pads with perfect thickness and just the right amount of cushioning
What I love most is the moderate thickness of the pads. The pads located at the base of the fingers and the hypothenar area are thin; when gripping the bars, you get an overwhelming sense of directness, and the presence of the pads is minimal. Yet, despite being subtle, these pads feature excellent shape recovery and I can truly feel them reducing the stress placed on my hands. These are typically contradictory goals, but they are balanced perfectly here.
Synthetic leather with superior durability and grip
The palm side uses a synthetic leather that prioritizes durability and grip, ensuring vibration absorption alongside traction. This suede-touch material is brilliant because it actually provides better grip as it gets wet with sweat. It is also perforated to offer high breathability.
Ultra-thin Breezer Tex
For the back of the hand, they use Breezer Tex, a thin mesh material. This highly elastic fabric is ultra-thin, feeling almost like an extra layer of skin over your hands. During the ride, you can actually feel the airflow, and it offers both high breathability and quick-drying properties.
Terry cloth to wipe away sweat
There is also terry cloth placed on the outside of the thumb. Because it is highly absorbent, it is extremely useful for wiping sweat from your forehead. Apparently, this is an idea that ASSOS was the first to adopt. That’s just classic ASSOS for you.
Also, a long-finger model using similar materials, the RS Aero FF Gloves, is available to minimize sunburn and injuries, so be sure to check those out as well.
ASSOS RS Aero FF Gloves
PRICE : ¥12,100 (tax included)
COLOR : Black
SIZE : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
The fact that a product carries the "ASSOS" name means no explanation is necessary; you can place absolute trust in them. This isn't limited just to bib shorts; the same can be said for accessories like the gloves introduced here, as well as socks, caps, and arm warmers. They are products designed to perform in any season or weather, so please be sure to take a look at the other ASSOS items.
Needless to say, you must also check out this season's new Mille GT Bib Shorts C2, which have just arrived in stock.
